Malta Votes To Keep Bird Shooting Tradition
Malta has voted to continue its controversial tradition of spring hunting in which birds migrating across the Mediterranean are killed before they can breed, according to the preliminary results of a referendum.
Supporters defend the practice as a long-standing custom, while opponents see it as a cruel tradition that often flouts the law.
Initial results suggested the pro-hunting camp had got 51% of the vote, a winning margin of around 5,000 votes.
An official declaration is expected later on Sunday.
Hunters' federation president Joe Percici Calascione said: "We did not win anything, we just did not lose."
However, raucous cheering from hunters at the polling station suggested many saw it as a victory.
Mr Calascione added: "We were fighting for our right to retain the possibility of hunting in spring and people have understood our campaign."
He appealed to hunters to remain calm, amid reports of celebratory gunfire in the countryside.
In 2009, Malta was found guilty by the European Court of Justice of permitting the hunting of birds during their return from Africa to breeding grounds in Europe, before they had a chance to reproduce.
While spring hunting is banned by the EU Birds Directive, Malta applies for a short period of exemption every year.
Shooters are currently legally permitted to kill 11,000 turtle doves and 5,000 quail.
Some hunters have been accused of exceeding the limit and illegally shooting other birds, including swifts, storks and yellow-legged gulls.
British naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham has in the past accused the authorities in Malta of failing to stop the large-scale hunting of migratory birds.
Activists say the emphasis should be on protecting all kinds of birds from hunters.
Saviour Balzan, a spokesman for the anti-spring hunting campaign, said: "It seems that the majority has voted for spring hunting to stay.
"While we respect the decision, we will continue working for the protection of the environment."
The country's prime minister, Joseph Muscat, voted in favour of keeping the spring hunt.
He said Malta's citizens had given the hunters a "last chance" and vowed that illegal hunting "will not be tolerated".
